Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) are two recently described conditions of pigs at the late nursery and fattening stages. The aim of this short communication was to describe the first reported occurrence of these conditions and of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection in Greece. The clinical signs, gross post-mortem changes and histopathological changes observed in affected pigs, were similar to those previously described for both PDNS and PMWS. As in previous reports, the lesions were associated with PCV2 infection, which was demonstrated by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods.

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC) represents the major cause of economic loss for swine industry worldwide. It is a multifactorial syndrome with a wide variety in epidemiological features and clinical sings from farm to farm, depending on the prevalence of the responsible pathogens, the environmental conditions and the efficacy of the on-farm veterinary management. As a result, the identification of the pathogens involved is difficult to be established, along with the difficulty in applying an efficient control programme. Moreover, PRDC, is considered to be the most important cause of the extended use of antimicrobials in modern pig industry. Its control is based on the principles of the veterinary management applied from farm to farm, including the most appropriate hygienic, vaccination and metaphylaxis programmes. In this study, a review of the syndrome is presented (aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis) along with a short reference to its current status in Greece. Finally, essential measures for the greek pig industry and public health are suggested.

Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) is a new infectious disease of pigs at nursery and growing phase of production. A new strain of porcine circovirus (PCV), PCV type 2, seems to be the cause. The aim of this study was to investigate whether outbreaks of disease with clinical signs similar to those of PMWS, observed in several farms in Greece, were associated to the presence of PCV2. To establish a diagnosis in two pig farms suspected of being positive to PMWS, ten affected pigs were euthanised. The clinical and post-mortem findings in these pigs were highly suggestive of PMWS. Histopathology has revealed interstitial pneumonia and infiltration of mononuclear cells in periportal areas of the liver and in mesenteric lymph nodes. According to previous studies these are characteristic lesions of PMWS. The final diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating antigens and nucleic acid in PCV2-affected tissues using immunohistochemistry and in situ-hybridisation methods.

Confinement units are commonly used all over the world to raise pigs. Despite their economic advantages, their microenvironment causes severe adverse effects on the health of farm workers. Respiratory complaints which have been associated with the exposure effects of organic dust and confinement gases on humans who have long-term employment into these settings, are reviewed. These include pulmonary function changes, airways imfiammation, mucosa irritation syndrome and organic dust toxic syndrome. Furthermore, the most important zoonoses which may provoke respiratory symptoms to the swine confinement workers are briefly reviewed. It is believed that these conditions can be prevented by improving air quality, husbandry systems and adopting hygiene measures.